October 1, 2026
Everyone should be breast aware and know what is normal for them.
That is the message from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which runs throughout October.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Northern Ireland, accounting for around 30 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in women. Men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. According to Breast Cancer Now, a leading breast cancer charity, around 1,500 people are diagnosed in Northern Ireland each year.
Throughout the month, the Trust is encouraging people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and to attend breast screening appointments when invited.
Yvonne McGraw, Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist at Antrim Area Hospital, emphasised the importance of taking action if you notice anything unusual:
“Two of the best things you can do to help detect cancer early are to be aware of what is normal for you and to contact your GP if you notice any changes or symptoms that are unusual for you,” she said.
Common breast cancer symptoms include a new lump or thickening in the breast, upper chest or armpit; a change in the size, shape or feel of the breast; skin changes such as dimpling, redness or puckering; a nipple that changes position, becomes inverted or develops a rash; discharge from the nipple, particularly if it is blood-stained; and persistent breast pain that is new or unusual.
As well as being breast aware, screening plays an important role in early detection.
“If you receive a screening invitation, it is vital that you attend, even if you have no symptoms. If cancer is found early, treatment is more likely to be successful. Early detection saves lives,” said Yvonne.
The Northern Trust has two breast screening units which rotate throughout the Trust area and are currently based at Antrim Area Hospital and the Larne Health Centre site. Women aged 50 to 70 who are registered as female with a GP in the Northern Trust area will be invited for screening and should receive their first appointment before their 53rd birthday.
Women aged over 70 are not automatically invited for screening but are encouraged to continue attending every three years by contacting their local screening unit to request an appointment.
For more information, visit the Breast Care and Breast Screening page on the Northern Trust website.